Tulsa, OK
Vertical Access was retained by Steven J. Kelley, FAIA, in collaboration with Heritage Architecture Studio, to perform a hands-on investigation of portions of all façades of the Mid-Continent Tower to assist with the preparation of construction documents for exterior repairs.
Building description
The building was originally a 16-story Neo-gothic structure designed by Henry F. Hoit and built for oil baron Joshua Cosden in 1918, known then as the Cosden Building. Upon its completion the Cosden Building was one of the tallest structural concrete buildings in the world as well as Tulsa’s first skyscraper.
In 1984, the addition of 21 stories cantilevered over the original building was completed, and the building was renamed the Mid-Continent Tower. Over 85,000 terra cotta units, spires, cornices, panels, and moldings were produced to match the neo-gothic style of the original building. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Scope of work
- Investigation and assessment of portions of all façades using industrial rope access.
- Documentation of representative and notable conditions with digital photographs hyperlinked to annotated condition drawings using TPAS®.
In collaboration with
- Argue Properties
- Stephen J. Kelley, FAIA
- Heritage Architecture Studio
Photo credit: S. Kelley